But then it got good, like he got into it all of a sudden. His illustration of Miami's defense (with Jason Taylor lining up all over the place) and the "two bubbles" was really enlightening, plus his analysis of how the Steelers would have to make adjustments if they wanted to move the ball was spot on. Later he made the point about how backs like Parker have to stay patient, that they have to keep at it and eventually will start breaking runs. It was almost prescient; two or three plays later Porter started popping off decent gains. And the crew didn't let the "challenge controversy" just be a controversy; they went and got a clarification that Saban could have run out onto the field if he wanted to, that he was at fault for the refs not seeing the flag.

There was more, but all in all This was a good network broadcast. There was too much pimping of the Mannings, but that's to be expected, what with Sunday's game coming up. I personally don't think Peyton is all that revered outside of Indiana, and Eli isn't really revered at all, but who knows, the rest of the world might love those guys.

The bar where XT and I watched the game was pretty noisy, so I didn't get to hear Madden that much. Hey - the Steelers may actually make a believer out of him yet - LOL!

I grew weary of all of the Manning commercials and tush-kissing over and over again. I wouldn't even have minded if they showcased one of the Fins, but the Manning love fest was a bit insulting during a Pittsburgh-Miami game. I would have much preferred seeing clips of Peytoon's deer in the headlights look in the playoff game last season and Farrior, Porter & Co. making a turf pizza out of him.

We went to a place called "Neal's" on Buttermilk Hollow Road in West Mifflin, right past the County Airport. It's a nice sized restaurant with a really comfortable bar and reasonable prices and there are free half-time eats every game! Last night it was rigatoni and garlic bread - for the Super Bowl, he had quite a spread! Nice people and a very enjoyable place to watch the games.

And that blonde woman's interview of Batch and Porter was way beyond what I expected. First, she gave credit to Porter for allowing Batch to go first, and then she asked good open ended questions that got good responses; Batch describing why the team called the play they did, and Porter the same, along with the personal analysis that "those kinds of situations don't happen very often, so when they do you have to make the play. And that's what I did."

We went to a place called "Neal's" on Buttermilk Hollow Road in West Mifflin, right past the County Airport. It's a nice sized restaurant with a really comfortable bar and reasonable prices and there are free half-time eats every game! Last night it was rigatoni and garlic bread - for the Super Bowl, he had quite a spread! Nice people and a very enjoyable place to watch the games.

Wow, that sounds great! My wife & I went out to Smoky Joe's BBQ out at Robinson Town Center with some people from her work. I would have preferred to stay home, but she really wanted to go. I get a little uptight during Steeler football games. :) I just don't like to miss anything, and that can get in the way of things like conversations. lol

Wow, that sounds great! My wife & I went out to Smoky Joe's BBQ out at Robinson Town Center with some people from her work. I would have preferred to stay home, but she really wanted to go. I get a little uptight during Steeler football games. :) I just don't like to miss anything, and that can get in the way of things like conversations. lol

Sounds like you had a great time, too! Up at Neal's, we are all pretty much used to each other from last season and when the language starts flying at a pretty good clip, all it takes is "the look" and they stop it....for a little while anyway - LOL! They all pretty much know up there not to talk to me or even look at me until there is a commercial and at halftime.

Mosco!!!!
Dont be sucked into the dark side!!!! Its all part of their master plan. They have spent all summer force feeding a semblence of a personality into Madden ..with the hopes of making us all believe that he is capable of rational thought. In two weeks we will be back to him talking about hard-hitting subjects like heated socks and "Turducken" ...ending each sentence with a muttering tirade of wheezes and grunts!
The more you listen to him the easier it is for him and his ilk (Chris Collingsworth) to plant a seed into your mind and make you into one of their bubbling buffoon pod people.....until finally they have drained all credible football knowledge out of you. Come back to the light my friend..I am reaching a hand out to save ya!!!!!!!!!!